Roommate charged with killing 2 missing USF students; one found dead, search continues for second
Suspect charged with murder in missing USF students case
The suspect in the missing USF students investigation,Hisham Abugharbieh, has been charged with two counts of murder. FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon reports.
TAMPA, Fla - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has upgraded charges against Hisham Abugharbieh in connection to the disappearance of two USF students.
What we know:
Investigators now say a case involving two missing University of South Florida students is a double murder investigation.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh faces two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon (premeditated) in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.
(Left to right) Zamil Limon, Nahida Bristy
Officials say evidence presented to the State Attorney’s Office led to the upgraded charges.
Deputies confirmed they found Limon dead Friday morning on the Howard Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay.
Abugharbieh also faces additional charges, including tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, moving a dead body, failing to report a death and battery.
Deputies say they first encountered him while responding to a domestic violence call at a home near the USF campus.
Investigators say he barricaded himself inside before eventually surrendering.
Suspect Held without Bond
With his hands and feet shackled, Hashim Abubgarhby showed up to his first appearance in Hillsborough County wearing a smock used to prevent inmates from harming themselves.
Abugharbieh is being held without bond until his pre-trial hearing.
The pre-trial hearing is set for April 28th at 9am.
The Search For Bristy Continues
Volunteers with "We Are The Essentials" have joined the search for Nahida Bristy, now considered a recovery mission after authorities charged the suspect with her murder.
Search for Nahida Bristy continues
We Are The Essentials is helping investigators search for missing USF doctoral student, Nahida Bristy. WATE is helping search from the ground. FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis reports.
On Saturday, crews are focusing efforts around Sand Key Park, where investigators previously searched, using cell phone data and recent evidence to guide the operation as they work to bring answers and closure to her loved ones.
What we don't know:
Investigators have not released details about how the victims were killed or what led up to their deaths.
Authorities say they are withholding specific findings to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The backstory:
USFPD says Limon, a USF doctoral student pursuing a degree in geography, environmental science and policy, was last seen around 9 a.m. at his home on Avalon Heights Blvd. on April 16.
Limon's remains were found on Friday morning along the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Bristy, a USF doctoral student studying chemical engineering, was last seen around 10 a.m. on April 16 at the NES Building, 121 USF Sweetgum Lane, on the USF Tampa campus.
Police said a family friend contacted USFPD shortly before 5 p.m. on April 17 after they were unable to contact Limon or Bristy.
What's next:
The search for Bristy remains active.
Abugharbieh is expected to face a judge as the case moves forward.
Anyone with information about Bristy’s disappearance is urged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers.
The Source: Information in this article was gathered from a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office press release.